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Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for chronic noncancer pain and prescription opioid use disorder: A qualitative pilot study of its feasibility and the perceived process of change.

Brain and behavior
July 1, 2023
Hannah Ellerbroek et al. (9 authors)
Journal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to explore the feasibility and process of change during Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in patients with chronic noncancer pain and opioid use disorder (OUD).

Results Summary

MBCT was not feasible for most patients due to barriers like timing, group format, and somatic complaints, but the four participants reported reduced opioid craving and improved pain coping.

Population

Hospitalized patients with chronic noncancer pain and OUD undergoing rotation to buprenorphine/naloxone.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (4)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
Mindfulness-based interventions
decrease
pain, craving, and well-being
patients with chronic pain and those with opioid use disorder (OUD)
-
have a positive impact on
#1
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
decrease
chronic noncancer pain combined with OUD
patients
-
might be a promising treatment for
#2
MBCT
decrease
opioid craving
The four MBCT participants
-
mentioned several important mechanisms of change, including reduction of
#3
MBCT
increase
pain
The four MBCT participants
-
mentioned several important mechanisms of change, including improved coping with
#4
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based interventions have a positive impact on pain, craving, and well-being in both patients with chronic pain and those with opioid use disorder (OUD). Although data are limited, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) might be a promising treatment for patients with chronic noncancer pain combined with OUD. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the feasibility and process of change during MBCT in this particular population. METHODS: In this qualitative pilot study, 21 patients who were hospitalized for rotation to buprenorphine/naloxone as agonist treatment for chronic pain and OUD were offered MBCT. Semistructured interviews were conducted to explore experienced barriers and facilitators to MBCT. Patients who participated in MBCT were also interviewed on their perceived process of change. RESULTS: Of 21 patients invited to participate in MBCT, 12 initially expressed interest but only four eventually participated in MBCT. The timing of the intervention, group format, somatic complaints, and practical difficulties were identified as the main barriers to participation. Facilitating factors included having a positive attribution toward MBCT, an intrinsic motivation to change, and practical support. The four MBCT participants mentioned several important mechanisms of change, including reduction of opioid craving and improved coping with pain. CONCLUSIONS: MBCT offered in the current study was not feasible for the majority of patients with pain and OUD. Changing the timing of MBCT by providing it at an earlier stage of the treatment and offering MBCT in an online format may facilitate participation.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
HumansMindfulnessAnalgesics, OpioidPilot ProjectsChronic PainFeasibility StudiesCognitive Behavioral TherapyOpioid-Related DisordersTreatment Outcome
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy65/10
Quality50/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations3
Citations/Year1.5
Relative Citation Ratio1.24
NIH Percentile58.1%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.25
Weight Score1.99
Normalized Score0.56